Southern-Style Tennessee Peach Pudding
Southern-Style Tennessee Peach Pudding is a comforting, old-fashioned dessert with deep roots in Southern kitchens. This cobbler-like pudding is uniquely magical — hot syrup is poured over the batter before baking, and during baking it transforms into a tender cake topping with a rich, jammy peach layer underneath. The result is warm, spoonable, fragrant, and irresistibly nostalgic.
This dessert is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, holidays, and summer gatherings when peaches are at their peak. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and requires no fancy tools — just simple ingredients and a baking dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy, beginner-friendly dessert
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect balance of sweet cake and fruity syrup
- Delicious served warm with ice cream or whipped cream
- Works with fresh, frozen, or canned peaches
Ingredients
For the Batter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup milk
- 3 cups peeled, sliced peaches (fresh or frozen)
For the Topping
- 1½ cups water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
How to Make Tennessee Peach Pudding
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Stir in the milk until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
Step 3: Assemble the Base
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Scatter the sliced peaches evenly over the batter.
Step 4: Make the Syrup
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, granulated sugar, brown sugar, butter, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves and butter melts.
Step 5: Pour and Bake
Carefully pour the hot syrup over the peaches and batter. Do not stir. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, until the top is golden and the pudding is bubbling around the edges.
Step 6: Cool Slightly and Serve
Allow to cool for 10–15 minutes before serving so the layers can set slightly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream
- Add freshly whipped cream
- Sprinkle with toasted pecans or almonds
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra indulgence
Recipe Tips
- If using frozen peaches, thaw and drain excess liquid first.
- Canned peaches work too — just drain them well.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of cloves or ginger to the batter.
- Use ripe, fragrant peaches for best flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Southern-Style Tennessee Peach Pudding is everything a comfort dessert should be — warm, simple, sweet, and filled with nostalgia. Whether you make it for a summer picnic or a cozy winter night, it delivers the same delicious magic every time.
Once you try it, this will become one of those recipes you pass down and bake again and again.